10B THURSDAY JANUARY 23 2020Home & Garden KANSAS.COM

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Each year the prestigiousPantone Color Institute selects aPantone Color of The Year. Thecolor selection sets color trendsin motion that influence every-thing from runway fashions tohome decor.The 2020 Pantone Color of

The Year is Classic Blue, a darkand deep shade, very close towhat many might consider in-digo.Blue is a timeless color, and the

shade is certainly classic. Blue isby all accounts the new black,especially for those looking for analternative to bolder attributes.

DECORATING WITH CLASSICBLUEClassic Blue is often seen in

more traditional home decorsettings but can also feel mod-ern and fresh, depending on thematerials and colors in which itis paired. Whether part of a

graphic pattern, infused intoaccessories or artwork, or foun-dation elements such as uphol-stery, Classic Blue can be in-corporated in different ways. Itis hard not to make a solid andtimeless choice.

WHY CLASSIC BLUE?The shade has yellow under-

tones, which helps add to itsappeal. It often works well whenpaired with a complementarycolor such as orange or warmcolors such as yellow and green.

WHERE TO USE CLASSICBLUEThink of Classic Blue as a

great accent color. Considerusing it in accessories such astoss pillows, throws, artworkand area rugs, as well as accentfurniture such as side chairs.

TIPS FOR USING CLASSICBLUE1. Integrate blue accents

through elements such as rugs,furniture, accent walls and art-

work.2. Look to accessories such as

toss pillows, throws and vases asa way to infuse Classic Blue intoa space.

3. Don’t be afraid to pair itwith lighter shades of blue.4. Pair Classic Blue with neu-

tral colors to create a sense ofcontrast such as white, taupe

and gray.5. Consider using Classic Blue

as a foundation color. It can beused a base color, similar toblack or brown.

How to use ClassicBlue in your decor

Design Recipes/TNS

A Classic Blue velvet accent chair creates a sense of luxury in this living room.

BY CATHY HOBBSTribune News Service

This has been a greatyear of cool-season con-tainer color thanks to theaddition of a little FloridaSunshine anise.James, my color guru

son, has hundreds of con-tainers, some very largethat he not only designs butcarefully manages everyday of the year. Large con-tainers this time of the yearare filled with pansies,dianthus, heuchera andmore, but there is a needfor evergreen plants for notonly height but to serve asa foil for the colorfulblooms. That is whereFlorida Sunshine comes inwith a dazzling presence.Florida Sunshine is a

shrub that will reach 7 feettall and 8 feet wide andbrings sunshine and hap-

piness to the woodlandsgarden. But in a cool-season container, its char-treuse to golden foliageseems to light up in stun-ning contrast to compan-ion plants like Rockingdianthus or blue pansies.Florida Sunshine anise justseems to make all otherplants look even better.This species of anise

comes frommoist areas ofFlorida and Georgia butwill look quite at home inwoodland areas throughoutzones 6-9. Florida Sunshinewill also look striking as ahedge and will make ashow stopper thriller plantin a mixed container.In the cool winter grow-

ing season you can takeliberties with your FloridaSunshine and grow it witha lot more sun than youwould in the summer. Inother words, we recom-mend partial shade to

shade in the landscape.But in a cool-season con-tainer use it where youwish. When you transitionto warm-season color, theFlorida Sunshine will needto head to a shadier loca-tion.Large mixed containers

filled with peat-basedpotting soil seem to be justperfect for not only cool-season shrubbery but allannual color as well. If youdecide to transfer to thewoodland garden comespring dig the plantinghole two to three times aswide as the rootball but nodeeper. When you digthese large holes, you areopening the door to thefastest root expansion andestablishment in your bed.Place the plant in the holeand backfill with soil totwo-thirds the depth.Tamp the soil and water tosettle, add the remaining

backfill, repeat the processand apply mulch.Keep in mind they have

the potential of reaching 6to 10 feet tall and 6 to 8feet wide. Prune lightlyanytime to shape and keepbushy. Feed you FloridaSunshine with an azaleacamellia type fertilizerwith the beginning ofspring growth.While some illicium

may be used for spice,Florida Sunshine is NOTto be eaten. Thankfullyyou will not find this onthe menu of the deer cafeeither. While the bloomsare inconsequential thetiny seeds that may followare reportedly eaten bybirds.Florida Sunshine is one

shrub to get you out of thewinter doldrums and is aterrific choice for yourwoodland garden or largemixed containers.

JAMES WINTER TNS

Two Florida Sunshine anise plants flank this colorful Rockin Purple dianthus in a large mixed container.

Florida Sunshine anise isgolden in mixed containersBY NORMAN WINTERTribune News Service

JAMES WINTER TNS

This Florida Sunshine anise serves as a colorful contrastto ColorMax Icy Blue violas.